Kirtland – The third weekend in September brings people and crafters from all over to Kirtland, Ohio where the 31st Village Peddler Festival will be held on September 15 (10am-6pm) and September 16 (10am-5pm) at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. The festival spans the beautiful Farmpark hillside with continuous tents of handmade treasures and unique items. Staged as the perfect venue, the hillside’s beauty and charm compliment the festival’s unique character. Food is matched to the yesteryear theme, with dining under the trees; live folk and traditional music and harvest market complete the festival.
Known as one of the best Ohio festivals, it is no surprise more than 165 juried craftsmen and artisans travel from all over Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Michigan to Lake County to sell their wares. All items are American handmade in the styles of Americana, traditional, country, Victorian and contemporary. Featured items include twig furniture, soaps, folk art, baskets, wheat weavings, quilting, primitives, tole painting, framed art, wool felting, pottery, fall and winter wreaths, candles, Shaker brooms, birdhouses and feeders, gourd art, rugs, garden art, black bears, clay whimsicals, holiday ornaments, weavings, furniture, cards, photography, Santas, snowmen, stone carvings, stained glass, blown glass, toys and dolls, signs, stone houses and barns, jewelry, 18th and 19th Century decorative painting, a silhouette artist and more. The hundreds of craft selections available offer an early opportunity for holiday gift purchases along with everyday shopping.
Stroll the shaded paths of the festival while enjoying old time and traditional music performed by guitarist Bev Newbold, The Silver String Band and The Real Deal String Band. Fiddle, banjo, hammered dulcimer, mandolin, guitar, banjo-ukulele and bass come together for a down home good time sure to get your foot tapping.
Not only will the air be filled with music but also with the aroma of food cooking over open fires, sure to tantalize the appetite. An array of food vendors will offer up delicious food selections such as creamed chicken and biscuits, bison burgers, sausage sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, potato soup and chili, crepes, apple dumplings, French fries, fresh lemonade, homemade pies, pumpkin custard, ice cream, kettle corn and apple fritters. Visit the gourmet and harvest market filled with locally-grown produce, apples and cider, maple syrup and candy, jams, wine jellies, specialty dips, home-made bakery, a chocolate candy shop, biscotti, milled flour, herbs and perennials and shop at the old fashioned general store featuring bulk foods.
The Village Peddler Festival is built on quality, uniqueness, and tradition. “Many people plan their fall around the Festival and attend every year,” states Roberta Rice, festival producer. “The beautiful location, unique shopping experience and easy accessibility from Cleveland, Akron and western Pennsylvania make for a wonderful day excursion. All daily Farmpark activities, horse-drawn wagon rides and corn maze are included at no additional cost to festival attendees. The festival captures America at its best and is guaranteed to charm attendees back to the simple way of life.
Bring the family and enjoy this quaint outdoor American marketplace in an incredible fall setting. Festival sponsors are Cleveland Magazine, Lake County Visitors Bureau, Ohio Magazine, The News-Herald and The Lake County Women’s Journal. Admission is $7, seniors $6, children 2-11 $4 and children under 2 are free. Parking is free with gate drop-off and handicapped spots available. Groups and tours are welcome.
Lake Metroparks Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road (Route 6) in Kirtland, Ohio just one mile east of Route 306 and 5 miles south of I-90 (Exit 193). For more details and information visit www.villagepeddlerfestival.com or call 800-366-3276.
